Governor Newsom has signed several bills passed by the California State Legislature that add new requirements for residential property management. The following are a few of the key laws that take effect on January 1, 2026.

AB 246 – Social Security Tenant Protection Act

Assembly Bill 246, also referred to as the Social Security Tenant Protection Act of 2025, is designed to protect tenants facing eviction due to a loss of income caused by interruptions in Social Security benefits. To qualify, the interruption must result from federal government action or inaction, and state officials must issue a formal declaration of such an interruption. Under this law, tenants to may assert financial hardship to delay unlawful detainer proceedings for up to six months. However, this delay does not relieve tenants of their obligation to pay past-due rent.

AB 414 – Return of Security Deposit

Assembly Bill 414 updates the process by which landlords must return security deposits and provide itemized statements. If the security deposit was originally paid via electronic transfer, any refund must also be issued electronically unless both parties agree in writing to use another method.

AB 628 – Appliance Requirements in Rentals

Assembly Bill 628 requires landlords to provide a working refrigerator and stove in every unit with limited exceptions. The new law applies to leases entered into, amended, or extended on or after January 1, 2026. The law also requires landlords to repair or replace stoves or refrigerators within 30 days of receiving a recall notice.

The law allows tenants and landlords to mutually agree at the time of signing a lease that the tenant will provide and maintain their own refrigerator. In such cases, specific language outlined in the new law must be included in the rental agreement. Tenants retain the right to revoke this agreement with 30 days’ notice, which then would require the landlord to provide a refrigerator.